I used a fitted sheet the same color as my comforter on the box springs
Which doesn't solve your problem but makes it less noticeable

You might check and see if it is returnable/exchangeable. We got the larger, not realizing that low profile box springs existed. We were able to swap it out for the low.

Wondering what it is about your bed that you can't use a bedskirt. Not questioning it, just wondering how the bed is made. I got tired of a bedskirt and comforter and this time I bought an actual bedspread which I hadn't had in years. It doesn't touch the floor because we have a high box like you do and a thick mattress, but it does cover the box apring and most of the railing. I love having a bedspread again and am glad not to have a bedskirt anymore which is a dust collector.

"So I ordered the 9" because that's what the old box was."

Since you ordered the same size that you had before, why is there a problem now?
What did you have on the old box spring (that was the same size)?

The box spring/mattress rests inside that wood you see above, I'm guessing. They should lay on some wood slats for support.. Thus, it's impossible to have a bed skirt as the wood is in the way. I have the PB Valencia bed and the same is true.

Do you need a box spring? We opted to not have one because it sat too high in our bed. Consider not having one.... problem solved!

If you need one, first call the store and ask if you can change. If you can't, I like the suggestions above..... fitted sheet to mask it and an extra wide comforter.

Thanks everyone. I thought about the fitted sheet, might give that a try. That darn mattress weighs a ton. Are they making them fatter and heavier. (just like people!)

I'm hesitant to call the store because we got this through a relative who works there and he used his "once a year" savings on a mattress and got 60% off. Guess it wouldn't hurt. The worst that can happen is they say no.

We also ordered the standard sized box spring, but since the mattress itself is so much higher, overall the bed is higher. We maybe should have gotten the lower profile, too. Since the bed is only a few inches higher, we got used to it.

I don't think this helps you, but sometimes you can get a lower profile frame. Is lowering the slats on your current frame an option?

I think a sheet will work and also a longer comforter if you can.

I had the same problem with my queen size bed. I use a king duvet which covers the sides. We also have a bedskirt which is velcroed (is that a word?) to the underside of the wood railing. Its been on the bed for about 8 years with no problems and I just take it off for dry cleaning. HTH

Could be that your old boxspring just compressed over the years. Though mattresses are coming out taller nowadays (over time, your own mattress has compressed, too.)

But certainly call the store. It's not like your friend got the set for free for you, right? (and it's OK for you to be assertive about this. it's your money, it's your happiness on a piece of furniture that you spend many, many hours on and can make or break your day.)

Exchanging the boxspring is certainly less of a hassle for both store and customer than telling them the mattress is terrible!

In these days of precarious employment, I'd first call my friend to ask if s/he would have any repercussions about exchanging, and if not how best to go about it.

Yes, call the store before doing anything else. Box springs are inexpensive and are pretty much a wood frame covered in fabric. Rarely do they have springs any more.

I would suggest having your friend check what the store policy is regarding exchanges to see if you can swap out your existing boxspring for the low profile version. Most stores have some type of comfort guarantee, often 30 days and in some cases even longer. I recently purchased two new mattresses and boxsprings and for both I opted for the low profile boxsprings as with the newer mattresses which are deeper, it places the bed height too tall. I've been very happy with the low profile version and I had asked specifically if there was any difference in quality or support and there is not. It's just a style difference as far as the bed height.

I don't know what your financial situation is but a 5" box spring is at best 100.00 and at worst 300.00...

I ordered the wrong size box as well.
I have an extra deep mattress cover that actually covers the mattress and box .

You can also remove the rails that you have and put a low profile bed frame inside the frame of your bed .
Doing that you will also be able to use a bed skirt as well.

I'm thinking out loud because right now my bed is 33" of the ground.

I had the same problem. I used a bedskirt and tucked it in all around between the box spring and the frame/slats. The result is a "ruched" looking bedskirt.

Couldn't you just put a bed skirt between the box spring and mattress? That's what we do -- But then I always make my bed skirts, so perhaps the store-bought ones don't work that way?...

I think that's why I'm confused also. When we use one I just put the bedskirt between the box spring and mattress and it will fall over the wood rail (not between the rail and the box). I measure the drop from the top of the box to just above the floor or wherever I want the bottom of the bedskirt to be and that is the size drop to order. With this size box you would need the longer drop that most skirts come in now. I just can't see why that won't work, but it is possible that I am just dense about the problem.

I'm kind of liking this idea of a bedskirt just hanging down on the outside of the wood rail. That's a great idea. Thanks for the idea.